EK BALAM

Located in the east of Yucatan, only 90 minutes from either Cancun or Merida, the archeological zone at Ek Balam, “the City of the Black Jaguar,” is the site of one of the most impressive discoveries of Mayan culture in recent years. It is situated within a wide area of pre-hispanic interest, including the ancient Mayan cities of Coba, Chichen Itza and Kaluba.

In the spring of 2000, the sacred city of Ek Balam became the focus of archeological attention, owing to the discovery here of the tomb of a Mayan ruler, King Ukit Can Lek. Jars and offerings were found inside the tomb, as well as objects of jade, obsidian, flint and mother-of-pearl.

The site is also noteworthy in that it possesses characteristics of indigenous culture mixed with other cultures, making it different from any other meso-American metropolis. It is surrounded by three walls which served to protect it against attacks from neighboring tribes, and an area of nearly 20 acres containing ancient, splendid temples and large monuments. These buildings have other structures built on top of them, reflecting their urban evolution and showing differing architectural styles according to the influence over the ages of different ruling groups.

Buildings are arranged on two plazas, the northernmost being the more important since it includes the so-called Acropolis, an exceptional building with a frieze of figures carved in stone and finished in stucco. Sculptures of many individuals come together here to form a guard of honor at the mausoleum of the noble ruler, King Ukit Can Lek. At 104 feet high and 520 feet long, the Acropolis is one of the tallest buildings in the region and displays a beautifully balanced series of stylized life-size figures framed by the stone face of a supernatural being. The ensemble of sculpted elements, which also includes masks and rock paintings, is evidence of the close relationship the Mayans saw between death and the sea—in much the same way as the ancient Egyptians.

With the excavations and restoration work currently being carried out by the Mexican government, Ek Balam is now an important archeological marvel to be enjoyed as part of the new tourist route starting at Valladolid and extending to the beaches of Rio Lagartos and San Felipe, two Gulf of Mexico ports which are among the most important and extensive wildlife sanctuaries on the American continent.